The Very Hungry Caterpillar Celebration for Gellibean

Growing up, my mom was always hands on when it came to planning our birthdays. She would plan the menu and execute elaborate feasts without even breaking a sweat. So much so, that when Nino and I decided to get married all those years ago, she was able to cook for 250 people in a matter of 2 days to celebrate my Despedida de Soltera. I don’t know how she did it. I think about it now and it makes me a little nervous. But, knowing that about my mom, can kind of give you an understanding of where I get my partying gene from. I prefer much smaller and intimate gatherings over the large, can’t catch my breath, type of events, because they are just easier for me to pull of with details, while still looking pretty. But that being said both kinds of celebrations are always centered around the kids and that’s what matters most to me, and of course the birthday celebrant.

Since I like to cook and I like to bake, I often will look for reasons just to bring people together. (Yes, in this case the apple does not fall far from the tree. My mom will even host a St. Patty’s day get together for her friends even though she is not one lick of Irish!) I enjoy putting together the details that encompass a party. No detail is too small, no sweet is too sweet, and no party is a party without a dessert buffet!

I was so thankful that my friend Vangie, was there to help me set up the dessert buffet. Sometimes, we just need a little help from our friends to execute great ideas!

Banana Split Push Pops. I made the cake using our favorite Magnolia Vanilla Cupcake Recipe and Gia assembled them just before the guests arrived. Fillings include fresh bananas, whipped icing, and chocolate syrup.

We can always find a reason to celebrate Gelli. Maybe we took so much for granted before she was born? You know, I think I just didn’t understand the importance of celebrating the little things before she came into our lives. I do know, however, of all the great many gifts that my daughter has given me, she has taught me to slow down a bit, value what’s important, and that God has a plan for all of us. (even if we don’t’ know it at the time.)

Everyone gets involved in the details of planning birthday parties. It’s always fun when we get creative together.

So when I was planning Gelli’s 2nd birthday celebration I knew that it would be much smaller than her 1st. First birthdays here in the Philippines are a huge celebration, just like 7th birthdays. 2nd birthdays not so much. I knew that I wanted it to be something she could relate to, (hence another book themed party) and I knew that I wanted to take charge of every little detail as best I could.

Nyree of Embellished Designs was so helpful in designing and printing all of the details for the buffets. The dessert buffet and the merienda buffet would not have been complete without all the little caterpillar details. These coordinating wooden spoons were so cute with our home made Dirt in a cup parfaits.

When it comes to Gelli-I’m not the only one that is hands on. In fact, she really is EVERYONE’S baby here in the house. Everyone enjoys doting on her, kissing and hugging on her and loving her. So it’s only natural that everyone also gets involved in making her day special. From Gia icing the cupcakes I baked, to Diego helping make some of the decorations, and Miguel assisting with the set up for the night before, all the kids helped out. Even Nino took care of the entertainment for the little ones by cutting and painting a GIANT Very Hungry Caterpillar game that was inspired by Pinterest. (I LOVE PINTEREST!)

This simple game that was inspired by Pinterest was Nino’s labor of love for the party. Gelli still likes to play this game with the bean bag fruit that Tita Maricel hand made for her special day.

What was so super special about her birthday this year? The generosity with which people wanted to help our family celebrate. From the details, to the documentation it was clear to me that the Lord was working some magic through Gelli and the lives that she touches. I have seen and met people because of Gelli that I wouldn’t have met if Gelli was a typical child. I have experienced love and acceptance that I did not know existed before…and it’s all because of her. And to think that one of my greatest fears when she was born was that some people wouldn’t accept her….

Gelli has taught us to always count our Blessings.

I have been waiting to share some of the details from Gelli’s party and I am super proud to share everything that was put into making her day super special. I will provide links and contact information for all the vendors who helped me pull off the details I had envisioned. A very special Thank YOU to everyone who helped out.

Swirly pops were finished with stickers designed and printed by Embellished Designs. These are available year round in Makati Super in three different sizes.

Aga never disappointments with his keen eye for putting floral arrangements together. I shared the colors that I wanted to incorporate and he put together yet another centerpiece that was beautiful.

Joanna of Cuppy Puppy always knows exactly what to put together for Gelli. I met Joanna after inquiring about her Fondant Cake Decorating Classes, and I’m thankful to be able to call her a friend.

Smaller details like chevron bags from Paper Chic Studio, Cookies from Cuppy Puppy, and Fruit Tarts from Palms Country Club help complete the themed celebration. Embellished Designs designed and printed the cello bag toppers so that guests could take home a cookie for later. Miguel prepped the egg carton caterpillars and made a sample for the other kids to use as a guide.

I baked the vanilla cupcakes the day before and Gia iced them with chocolate buttercream icing the morning of the party. Toppers by Embellished Designs and Cuppy Puppy.

Inside our home made Dirt in a cup…now, if they only made Gummy Caterpillars….

A birthday is more fun when you have your good friends to celebrate with. These girls are some of our favorite people.

This is a game the kids are still playing, weeks after the party was wrapped up. Thanks Babe for putting it together!

I wanted our menu to be manageable. I made easy dishes that were filling and ordered lasagna from Palms Country Club. Grilled veggies and salads were the perfect side dishes for this merienda cena.

This recipe was passed on to me from my MIL. I only changed a few things up but it is always a big hit. I think I should include this as a recipe “how to,” one day here on the blog because everyone always raves about it. Thanks MOM!

This was right before Gelli tried to grab the candles that were still lit! Luckily, she wasn’t hurt and was more scared than anything because I screamed.

Happy Birthday Dear Gellibean. I’m so lucky that you chose me to be your mom. I love you!

Aga doesn’t have a website but you can contact him through the following numbers for any and all floral arrangements you might need: 02-707-0412 * 0927-295-1270 * 0917-378-6062

Hi Michelle, Reading about Gelli her family and the joy in celebrating her 2nd birthday is just heartwarming. She is surrounded by loving hearts and arms — which is the best gift any child can receive. You have been truly blessed.